A mold cavity inflator and method of inflating

Abstract

This invention discloses a cavity inflator and an inflation method. The cavity inflator includes an inflation detection mechanism, a cylinder clamping mechanism, and a bottom support mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom on a frame. The inflation detection mechanism includes a first seat that can be vertically displaced on the frame, a pressure sensor that can be vertically displaced on the first seat, a counterforce detection rod connected to the pressure sensor, and a pair of inflation fixtures that can be relatively movably arranged on the first seat. An inflation port is formed on the side of each inflation fixture. The cylinder clamping mechanism includes a second seat that can be vertically displaced on the frame and a gripper cylinder fixed to the second seat. This inflator is an automated inflation device integrating inflation, clamping, positioning, and online detection functions to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of shock absorber inflation and to achieve real-time judgment of inflation quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shock absorber manufacturing, and more specifically, to a cavity inflator and an inflation method. Background Technology

[0002] Shock absorbers are key components of a car's suspension system. They are typically filled with high-pressure nitrogen to provide stable damping and rebound forces, thereby improving vehicle ride comfort and handling stability. The inflation process of shock absorbers directly affects their performance and lifespan: excessive inflation pressure leads to overly stiff shock absorbers, reduced comfort, and even seal failure; insufficient inflation pressure results in weak shock absorbers that cannot effectively suppress vehicle vibrations. Therefore, precise control and testing of inflation pressure and post-inflation rebound force are crucial during shock absorber manufacturing.

[0003] Currently, traditional shock absorber inflation methods mostly rely on manual or semi-automatic equipment. Operators place the shock absorber outer cylinder into a simple clamp, manually connect the inflation head, and control the inflation time and pressure based on experience. After inflation, a separate testing device measures the reaction force of the connecting rod to determine if the inflation is successful. This process has the following drawbacks: First, manual operation is cumbersome, resulting in low production efficiency and inconsistent inflation pressure, leading to large fluctuations in product qualification rates. Second, inflation and testing are performed in separate steps, making real-time monitoring and feedback during inflation impossible, which can easily lead to leaks due to poor sealing or improper connection of the inflation head, resulting in defective products. Third, existing equipment lacks precise control over the connecting rod position; before inflation, the connecting rod may be at an uncertain height due to internal spring force, affecting the sealing effect and the establishment of the inflation chamber. Fourth, the reaction force test after inflation usually requires a transfer to a dedicated testing station, increasing process time and labor costs, and secondary clamping may introduce measurement errors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cavity inflation machine and inflation method. The inflation machine is an automated inflation device that integrates inflation, clamping, positioning and online detection functions to improve the efficiency, accuracy and reliability of shock absorber inflation and to achieve real-time judgment of inflation quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a mold cavity inflator, comprising an inflation detection mechanism, a cylinder clamping mechanism, and a bottom support mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom on a frame; the inflation detection mechanism includes a first base that is vertically movable on the frame, a pressure sensor that is vertically movable on the first base, a counterforce detection rod connected to the pressure sensor, and a pair of inflation fixtures that are relatively movable on the first base; the side of the inflation fixture has an inflation port; the cylinder clamping mechanism includes a second base that is vertically movable on the frame and a gripper cylinder fixed on the second base.

[0006] Preferably, hydraulic cylinders are fixed at both ends of the first base, and the inflation fixture is connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0007] Preferably, when the two inflatable fixtures are docked, an inflation chamber is formed inside, the inflation port is connected to the inflation chamber, a connecting rod sealing port is formed at the upper part of the inflation chamber, and an outer cylinder sealing port is formed at the lower part.

[0008] Preferably, a polyurethane sealing gasket is fixed to the inner wall of the inflation chamber.

[0009] Preferably, a bracket is fixed on the first seat, and a first screw jack is fixed on the bracket. The pressure sensor is connected to the output end of the first screw jack.

[0010] Preferably, a first sliding sleeve is fixed on the first base, a sliding column is provided on the frame, the first sliding sleeve is sleeved on the sliding column, a servo electric cylinder is fixed at the top of the frame, and the first base is connected to the output end of the servo electric cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, a second sliding sleeve is fixedly fitted onto the sliding column on the second base body; A second screw jack is installed on the frame, and the second base is connected to the output end of the second screw jack.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom support mechanism includes a fixed plate disposed on the frame and a workpiece support fixture disposed on the fixed plate.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for inflating a shock absorber using the above-mentioned cavity inflator, the method comprising: S1. Place the outer cylinder of the shock absorber on the bottom support mechanism and clamp it using the gripper cylinder; S2, the first seat body descends to the predetermined position, then the counterforce detection rod descends to press the connecting rod inside the outer cylinder to the predetermined position, and the outer cylinder and connecting rod are held together by the inflatable fixture; S3. Inflate the shock absorber with high-pressure nitrogen through the inflation port, and stop the ventilation after the set time. S4. The counterforce detection rod and inflation fixture are reset, the connecting rod rises and contacts the counterforce detection rod, and the inflation is qualified by reading the pressure sensor value.

[0014] This invention provides a mold cavity inflator, comprising an inflation detection mechanism, a cylinder clamping mechanism, and a bottom support mechanism arranged sequentially from top to bottom on a frame; the inflation detection mechanism includes a first base that is vertically movable on the frame, a pressure sensor that is vertically movable on the first base, a counterforce detection rod connected to the pressure sensor, and a pair of inflation fixtures that are relatively movable on the first base; the side of the inflation fixture has an inflation port; the cylinder clamping mechanism includes a second base that is vertically movable on the frame and a gripper cylinder fixed on the second base. During operation, the outer cylinder of the shock absorber is placed on the bottom support mechanism and clamped by the gripper cylinder; the first seat body descends to the predetermined position, and then the counterforce detection rod descends to press the connecting rod inside the outer cylinder down to the predetermined position. The outer cylinder and the connecting rod are then held together by the inflation fixture; high-pressure nitrogen is injected into the shock absorber through the inflation port, and the inflation is stopped after a set time; the counterforce detection rod and the inflation fixture are reset, the connecting rod rises and contacts the counterforce detection rod, and the inflation is determined by reading the pressure sensor value. The provided mold cavity inflation machine has inflation, clamping, positioning and online detection functions. It forms a dedicated inflation chamber through relatively movable inflation fixtures. With the help of polyurethane sealing gaskets and upper and lower double sealing port structure, it can tightly hold the connecting rod and outer cylinder before inflation, ensuring the airtightness of the inflation and the tight positioning of the outer cylinder and connecting rod. After inflation, there is no need to unload the material. The pressure sensor value can automatically determine whether the inflation is qualified. For unqualified products, they can be rejected in time or the parameters can be adjusted to avoid them flowing into subsequent processes. It significantly reduces rework costs and scrap rate, and has high practical value and promotion prospects.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the cavity inflator provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the cavity inflator provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the cavity inflator provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the inflation detection mechanism in the cavity inflation machine provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of the inflation detection mechanism in the cavity inflation machine provided by the present invention; Figure 6This is a structural diagram of the inflation fixture in the mold cavity inflation machine provided by the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the inflation fixture in the cavity inflation machine provided by the present invention; Figure 8 This is a top view of the cylinder clamping mechanism in the mold cavity inflator provided by the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side view of the cylinder clamping mechanism in the cavity inflator provided by the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Frame; 2-Servo electric cylinder; 3-Inflation detection mechanism; 4-Cylinder clamping mechanism; 5-Bottom support mechanism; 6-Sliding column; 31-First seat; 32-First sliding sleeve; 33-First screw jack; 34-Bracket; 35-Inflation fixture; 36-Hydraulic cylinder; 37-Polyurethane sealing gasket; 38-Pressure sensor; 39-Reverse force detection rod; 41-Second seat; 42-Grip cylinder; 43-Second screw jack; 310-Outer cylinder sealing port; 311-Inflation port; 312-Connecting rod sealing port. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1-9 As shown: This invention provides a mold cavity inflator, which includes an inflation detection mechanism 3, a cylinder clamping mechanism 4, and a bottom support mechanism 5 arranged sequentially from top to bottom on a frame 1; the inflation detection mechanism 3 includes a first seat 31 that can be vertically displaced on the frame 1, a pressure sensor 38 that can be vertically displaced on the first seat 31, a counterforce detection rod 39 connected to the pressure sensor 38, and a pair of inflation fixtures 35 that can be relatively movably arranged on the first seat 31; the side of the inflation fixture 35 forms an inflation port 311; the cylinder clamping mechanism 4 includes a second seat 41 that can be vertically displaced on the frame 1 and a gripper cylinder 42 fixed on the second seat 41. The provided mold cavity inflation machine has inflation, clamping, positioning and online detection functions. It forms a dedicated inflation chamber through relatively movable inflation fixtures. With the help of polyurethane sealing gaskets and upper and lower double sealing port structure, it can tightly hold the connecting rod and outer cylinder before inflation, ensuring the airtightness of the inflation and the tight positioning of the outer cylinder and connecting rod. After inflation, there is no need to unload the material. The pressure sensor value can automatically determine whether the inflation is qualified. For unqualified products, they can be rejected in time or the parameters can be adjusted to avoid them flowing into subsequent processes. It significantly reduces rework costs and scrap rate, and has high practical value and promotion prospects.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, hydraulic cylinders 36 are fixed to both ends of the first base 31, and the inflation fixture 35 is connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder 36. Using hydraulic cylinders to drive the relative movement of the inflation fixtures provides a large driving force and smooth movement, ensuring a tight fit between the two inflation fixtures at the outer cylinder and connecting rod, preventing leakage during inflation. Simultaneously, the hydraulic cylinders facilitate stroke control and locking, improving the reliability of the inflation seal.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the two inflation fixtures 35 are docked, an inflation chamber is formed inside. The inflation port 311 communicates with the inflation chamber. A connecting rod sealing port 312 is formed at the upper part of the inflation chamber, and an outer cylinder sealing port 310 is formed at the lower part. The connecting rod sealing port 312 can be tightly fitted with the connecting rod, and the outer cylinder sealing port 310 can be tightly fitted with the outer cylinder. The design of the upper and lower double sealing ports can accommodate the diameter difference between the shock absorber connecting rod and the outer cylinder, achieving precise positioning and efficient inflation.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polyurethane sealing gasket 37 is fixed to the inner wall of the inflation chamber. By fixing the polyurethane sealing gasket to the inner wall of the inflation chamber, its good elasticity and wear resistance allow it to tightly adhere to the connecting rod and outer cylinder surface when the inflation fixture is tightened, effectively preventing high-pressure nitrogen from leaking from the mating gap.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bracket 34 is fixed on the first base 31, and a first screw jack 33 is fixed on the bracket 34. The pressure sensor 38 is connected to the output end of the first screw jack 33. The pressure sensor and the counterforce detection rod are driven to move up and down by the first screw jack. The screw drive has a self-locking function, which can accurately press the connecting rod down to a predetermined position before inflation.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first sliding sleeve 32 is fixed on the first base 31, and a sliding column 6 is provided on the frame 1. The first sliding sleeve 32 is sleeved on the sliding column 6. A servo electric cylinder 2 is fixed at the top of the frame 1, and the first base 31 is connected to the output end of the servo electric cylinder 2. The servo electric cylinder can drive the first base to a suitable position, and its height can be adjusted according to different models of shock absorbers to facilitate subsequent inflation operations.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second sliding sleeve fitted onto the sliding column 6 is fixed to the second seat 41; a second screw jack 43 is provided on the frame 1, and the output end of the second seat 41 is connected to the second screw jack 43. The height of the second seat can be adjusted by the second screw jack 43, thereby adjusting its height according to different models of shock absorbers, which is beneficial for effective locking of the outer cylinder.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom support mechanism 5 includes a fixed plate disposed on the frame 1 and a workpiece support fixture disposed on the fixed plate. The bottom support mechanism adopts a structure of fixed plate and workpiece support fixture, which is simple in structure and easy to replace with support fixtures of different specifications to match the bottom shape of various types of shock absorbers.

[0027] The present invention also provides a method for inflating a shock absorber using the above-mentioned cavity inflator, the method comprising: S1, placing the outer cylinder of the shock absorber on the bottom support mechanism 5 and clamping it with the gripper cylinder 42; S2, the first seat 31 descends to a predetermined position, then the counterforce detection rod 39 descends to press the connecting rod inside the outer cylinder down to a predetermined position, and the outer cylinder and the connecting rod are held together by the inflation fixture 35; S3, high-pressure nitrogen is injected into the shock absorber through the inflation port 311, and the inflation ends after a set time; S4, the counterforce detection rod 39 and the inflation fixture 35 are reset, the connecting rod rises and contacts the counterforce detection rod 39, and the inflation is determined to be qualified by reading the pressure sensor value.

[0028] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0030] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A cavity inflation machine, characterized in that, The cavity inflation machine includes an inflation detection mechanism (3), a cylinder clamping mechanism (4), and a bottom support mechanism (5) arranged sequentially from top to bottom on the frame (1); The inflation detection mechanism (3) includes a first seat (31) that can be displaced vertically on the frame (1), a pressure sensor (38) that can be displaced vertically on the first seat (31), a counterforce detection rod (39) connected to the pressure sensor (38), and a pair of inflation fixtures (35) that can be relatively moved on the first seat (31); the side of the inflation fixture (35) has an inflation port (311). The cylinder clamping mechanism (4) includes a second seat (41) that can be displaced up and down on the frame (1) and a gripper cylinder (42) fixed on the second seat (41).

2. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Hydraulic cylinders (36) are fixed at both ends of the first base (31), and the air-filling fixture (35) is connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinders (36).

3. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the two inflation fixtures (35) are docked, an inflation cavity is formed inside. The inflation port (311) is connected to the inflation cavity. A connecting rod sealing port (312) is formed at the upper part of the inflation cavity, and an outer cylinder sealing port (310) is formed at the lower part.

4. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inflation chamber is fixed with a polyurethane sealing gasket (37).

5. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bracket (34) is fixed on the first seat (31), and a first screw jack (33) is fixed on the bracket (34). The pressure sensor (38) is connected to the output end of the first screw jack (33).

6. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first sliding sleeve (32) is fixed on the first base (31), and a sliding column (6) is provided on the frame (1). The first sliding sleeve (32) is sleeved on the sliding column (6). A servo electric cylinder (2) is fixed at the top of the frame (1). The first base (31) is connected to the output end of the servo electric cylinder (2).

7. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second sliding sleeve is fixed on the second seat (41) and sleeved on the sliding column (6); The frame (1) is provided with a second screw jack (43), and the second base (41) is connected to the output end of the second screw jack (43).

8. The cavity inflation machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom support mechanism (5) includes a fixed plate disposed on the frame (1) and a workpiece support fixture disposed on the fixed plate.

9. A method for inflating a shock absorber using the cavity inflator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method includes: S1. Place the outer cylinder of the shock absorber on the bottom support mechanism (5) and clamp it using the gripper cylinder (42); S2, the first seat (31) descends to the predetermined position, then the counterforce detection rod (39) descends to press the connecting rod inside the outer cylinder down to the predetermined position, and the outer cylinder and connecting rod are held together by the inflation fixture (35); S3. Inject high-pressure nitrogen into the shock absorber through the inflation port (311), and stop the ventilation after a set time. S4, the counterforce detection rod (39) and the inflation fixture (35) are reset, the connecting rod rises and contacts the counterforce detection rod (39), and the inflation is qualified by reading the pressure sensor value.

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